• Beware of sound-alikes. Some crooks try to fool people by using names that are very similar to those of well-known charities.

• Ask how donations are used. One of the most important things to consider is how much of your money goes to fundraising and administrative costs, rather than to the charitable work itself.

• Be wary of requests to support police or firefighters. Some fraudulent fundraisers claim that donations will benefit police or firefighters, when in fact little or no money goes to them. Contact your local police or fire department to find out if the claims are true.

• Be especially cautious when there are natural or other disasters. Fraudulent charities take advantage of those situations to trick people who want to help the victims.